I've said in the past that outside linebacker is the current most pressing need on the Packers. Aside from Clay Matthews, there's no clear starter on the team, and the backups are questionable as well. The Packers are an inury to Matthews away from possibly having the worst pair of outside linebackers in the NFL.

Left tackle is a priority, but moreso for next year. And cornerback is important as well, but at least there are options such as Al Harris, Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood. There's hope that at least one of those three will be able to play a more prominent role in 2010 than they did in 2009.

So the Packers have to do something to address outside linebacker this season. Even if they spend their first round draft pick on an outside linebacker-hybird type such as Brandon Graham or Sergio Kindle, there's no guarantee either of them can make a major impact in their rookie season.

There's likely an even slimmer chance that the Packers are going to find an impact player in the second, third or later rounds, at least in these players' rookie year.

And so the Packers must make contingency plans, especially in terms of providing a pass rush. God knows Brady Poppinga isn't going to provide one.

Aside from any rookies, where are the Packers to turn? Free agency? Maybe a guy like Jason Taylor could be an option following the draft. But aside from him, there's very few other options on the open market.

A trade is possible. One player who may be expendable would be Daryn Colledge. But the Packers still have to find a trading partner.

Thus, the Packers have to look from within. Don't be surprised to see Nick Barnett or Brandon Chillar lineup on outside linebacker in the 3-4 on passing downs. The Packers are one injury away from having no other choice.

Barnett and Chillar at least provide more enticing pass rushing options than a Poppinga or an A.J. Hawk.

Brian Carriveau is the editor of Maple Street Press Packers Annual. In addition, he's the creator and managing editor of Railbird Central, established in 2005, back before most media outlets had blogs. He currently teaches print and broadcast journalism at Fond du Lac High School.

Tony Wilson joined Railbird Central in 2009. He is nearing completion of a B.A. degree in journalism from Eastern Michigan University. In 2008, he worked for Sporting News as a fantasy football and baseball writer. He resides in the suburbs of Detroit, MI.

This is the place for those of you who can't get enough Packers news! Updates will be provided frequently from the view of a "railbird." We go to the practices and scan the local media so you don't have to.

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April 15 Deadline for signing of Offer Sheets by Restricted Free Agents.

April 21 Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.

April 22-24 NFL Draft, New York City.

April 30 - May 2 Rookie orientation camp.

May 17 - June 17 OTAs

May 24-26 NFL Spring Meeting, Dallas, Texas.

June 1 Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22.

June 1 Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.

June 15 Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year’s salary.

June 21 - June 23 Mandatory minicamp

June 27-30 NFL Rookie Symposium, Carlsbad, California.

Mid-July Training camps open.

July 17 Packers Hall of Fame induction ceremony

July 22 Signing period ends at 4:00 PM ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.

August 8 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.
August 12-16 First preseason weekend.